Review: Old Hongkong Tea House in Katong Village

Facade of the place

Few weeks ago, the husband's friend asked if we're interested for a dimsum buffet because she found a good deal. Who could resist a dimsum buffet? With discount?!! Think about har gow, siew mai, bolo bun paired with piping hot chinese tea! Just thinking about it makes me salivate already!

We booked for 1:00pm but some of the friends came 30 minutes late. We didn't order right away because the coupon we got had a time limit of 2.5 hrs. Unfortunately, the server informed us that it's just 2hrs. Tsk, tsk. Robbed of precious 30 minutes!! :(

After about 15 minutes, the husband and I started ordering like crazy. Thinking it's ok to order several items since it might take about 20 minutes before the food gets delivered, just in time for the rest of the group to arrive. 

Chinese Tea

To be honest, the photos I'm posting here are not even half of what we had. I'm just a tad shy to post everything! :))

Some of the items we got were:

• 2 dishes of pasta melts (which could feed 2-3 people)
• A fried chicken wing
• 2 dishes of vegetables in light sauces
• 5 servings of hakaw (just because it's limited to one serving per customer)
• 3 servings of siew mai

The mixed meat platter was really good. The duck, roast pork and chicken were cooked to perfection and tasted great. We actually ordered several plates of the roast pork. :) How many? Don't ask.

Mixed meat platter

Just ordered this once. Also the other vegetable dishes such as the greens and the eggplant in thick black sauce. No dish stood out. Sorry. :|

Tofu in thick sauce

I accidentally ordered a cold chicken feet dish. Thinking the other girls in the group liked eating chicken feet, I ordered about two dishes but unfortunately, they were like me, not interested at all! So the husband ended up eating these. :))

Chicken feet

The bolo bun was really really nice. Even compared to Crystal Jade's, it's wonderfully made. The crust on the top doesn't crumble easily and it was served with butter in the middle which made me extra special.

Clockwise: Eggplant in black sauce, chicken curry, bolo bun 

By the time we finished eating, I couldn't move much. My tummy hurt. :)) It was a good experience but 

with regards to the quality of food, I would say, it's just okay. The hakaw, bolo bun and roasted meat platter were wonderful but the rest were just blah. Some servers couldn't speak or understand English so we had a hard time communicating. Like when one of the girls ordered for a Coke, it took 2 or 3 servers to understand and gave the drink after 30 minutes. That bad, huh?

I think I want to go to Yum Cha's high tea dimsum buffet next time! :D

Old Hong Kong Tea House

86 East Coast Road

Bloack A Katong Village

Singapore 428788

Telephone: 6345 1932

Fax: 6345 1438

Open daily - 24 hours

Website: http://www.oldhongkong.com.sg/

I'm in Paradise!

When we had the lunch at Thai Express, I can't get my mind off the coconut ice cream and glutinous rice dessert we had. So I thought, "Why not make my own?" Hmmm... But then I realized, where would I get coconut ice cream? I scoured at least 4 big grocery stores but I didn't find any, even just the Yam & Coconut was out of stock. Argh! I checked for recipes online, and I was happy as a clam! I can make coconut ice cream without having to use an Ice Cream Maker! Wahooooo! :)) Will share the recipe on a separate post :)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Glutinous rice (soaked in water, overnight)

crushed peanuts

1/2-3/4 cup Coconut cream

1/3 cup brown sugar

Slices of ripe mangoes

Coconut ice cream

Method:

1. Soak the glutinous rice in water at least 6 hours or overnight. Strain and prepare for cooking.

2. Cook by steaming the rice over a boiling water. The thai way is by using a basket atop a boiler and the rice is covered in cheesecloth. For me, I used a clean washcloth and steamed the glutinous rice for about an hour or until the rice becomes tender and shiny.

3. In a medium bowl, cook the sugar and coconut cream. Add the cooked rice. Cook for about 15 minutes. Adjust the quantity of cream according to how much rice you have, just enough to coat it.

4. Stem the rice again, but not covering with cloth anymore. Do this for about 20-30 minutes or until the rice is sticky. Let rice cool for about 30 minutes. Roll them into small balls.

5.  Arrange plate by putting the glutinous rice balls. Sprinkle with peanuts, serve with mango slices and a scoop of coconut ice cream. Enjoy!

Source: http://zoebakes.com

Sawadee!

It was a scorching hot afternoon when we stepped out of the church one Sunday. Then came the always inevitable question, "what do you feel like eating today?" asked the husband. I didn't know what I wanted to have so I let him decide.

Then the husband said we'll go for the Thai soft shelled crab. He kept his promise and I had the most flavorful Poo Phat Pong Kari in my entire life. Okay, okay. It was just my first time. :P But it was really unforgettable! The crab was cooked to perfection, just enough tenderness and crisp. It was then complemented with a spicy and rich curry that a cup of rice is not enough!

Poo Phat Pong Kari

The husband had the Tom Yum Soup. If you know him personally, you would know that this isn't going to be enough to fill his tummy. But I guess he knows better, because I cannot finish the soft shell crab by myself and he ends up eating half of it. It always happens!

Tom Yum Soup (seafood)

At last but not the least was the dessert - Coconut Paradise. The name didn't really stand out in the menu. But I wanted to try it just because of the coconut ice cream. When the server came with it, I was really curious because of the presentation. I actually don't know how to eat it but we just basically ate a spoonful of each and it was a burst of flavor in the mouth. The luscious coconut ice cream, the sweetness of the the sugar palm and papaya cubes with the sticky glutinous balls showered with the salty peanuts. Just glorious!

Coconut Paradise

Two things were stuck in my mind. The soft shell crab and the coconut ice cream. I want to make Thai dessert at home! Now, I have to go and look for coconut ice cream.

Thai Express
Tampines One
110 Tampines Central 1
#04-09 & #05-08 Tampines1
Singapore 529536
Tel: +65-6786 0998

Operating Hours:
Daily: 11.30am to 10.30pm
Last order at 10pm

Website: www.thaiexpress.com.sg

What's Your Favorite Kitchen Gadget?

Last Christmas, I was fortunate to receive a very nice gift from my thoughtful sister. It was a wonderful surprise! She knows me very well, she gave me an immersion blender! Perfect for a person who spends a lot of time in the kitchen. 

When we came back from our long vacation, it took me over two weeks before I started using this nifty gadget. It struck me that I can use it for a lot of things:

• Smoothies
• Soup
• Sauces
• Mixing batters

A friend and I talked about making smoothies and my concern was, how can I make a smoothie without damaging my blender? I was worried crushing ice would easily break it. Then she said to just freeze the fruits. Brilliant idea! Then my craziness started. I bought several boxes of strawberries, blueberries and oranges. It was the beginning of having more beautiful breakfasts. Imagine having warm pancakes with a cold strawberry smoothie. Just wonderful!

I also used my immersion blender to make pesto sauce. I couldn't find cheap pine nuts so I opted to use walnuts instead. I loved it, I can easily adjust the sauce according to my liking! 

With this thingamajig, I feel I could conquer the world (armed with a cool and yummy smoothie)!  Now tell me, what's your current favorite kitchen tool?

Better Late Than Never - Zubuchon

I know, I know. It's several months delayed. But better late than pregnant, errr... never. :P

Last January, we swung by Cebu on our way back to Singapore. So the husband planned to make sure we can try Zubuchon as we've heard a lot of raves about it. Even Anthony Bourdain said it's the best pig... EVER! 

After waiting for the husband to have his haircut and going around Ayala Mall, we asked around where the nearest Zubuchon branch is. Good thing there's one near, which is in Escario, about 10-15minute cab ride.

We got to the place before the lunch crowd so it was still a bit peaceful. It was the perfect timing, the little girl just went to sleep. So the husband and I were able to enjoy our lunch at Zubuchon. Haha!

I ordered the Kamias shake, it was a nice and refreshing drink. A good pair for the lechon, indeed!

As for the star of the show, I will be honest. It wasn't as spectacular as I thought it would be. Look at the first two photos I took and the other two following photos I borrowed from other blogs.  You would see the difference on the skin. Our order didn't have that much "crackle" that one would hope for, knowing that you got yourself a Zubuchon lechon. I'm not so sure why the skin was not as crispy looking as they claimed it to be. Nevertheless, the husband and I were just happy that we got to eat lechon again before heading back to a lechon-less country. Or should I say, affordable lechon. :P

Our order Photo #1

Our order Photo #2

Comparison photo from http://www.myfreshcrumbs.com

Comparison photo #2 from http://www.blogalag.com

Of course a Filipino meal wouldn't be complete without rice!

There were 3 sauces to choose from - Atsuete oil, Vinegar and Soy Sauce.

A glimpse of the menu which is common nowadays, white (some use colored) chalk on boards. I like it even if you see it in every cafe you go to :P

If we have another chance to swing by Cebu, definitely we will try Zubuchon again. I hope I can get that fantastic crisp I'm looking for!

Facebook: Zubuchon
Email: zubufoods@gmail.com

Photo credits: http://www.myfreshcrumbs.com
                      http://www.blogalag.com

Branches:

ONE MANGO AVENUE BLDG.
Gen. Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City - (032)-2395697

ESCARIO CENTRAL
Escario Street, Cebu City - (032)-2540247

LOBBY of ISLAND STAYS HOTEL
R. de la Cerna St, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City - (032) - 5050130

PRE-DEPARTURE AREA
Mactan Domestic Airport - (032) - 3402486 local 3304

ZUBUCHON EXPRESS TALAMBAN
Rosedale Bldg. beside University of San Carlos, Talamban -
(032) -2380879

ZUBUCHON EXPRESS ESCARIO
Escario Bldg., Escario Street, Cebu City - (032) -2391225

Lena's

The husband has mentioned to me several times before that he wants to try the restaurant in Tampines 1 because it looks promising. So one Sunday last month, we decided to give it a try. When we entered the place, we were greeted nicely by the staff and were given a spacious seat as we have a little girl with us.

It took us a while to choose what we wanted. Their menu was a mishmash of everything! From rice plates to Italian dishes to steaks to beers and wines. Whoa, it's overwhelming. After several minutes of flipping the pages over and over, we decided to get the make-your-own sampler. We had the following:

• Caesar's Salad
• Soft shell crab
• Potato Wedges
• Grilled Chicken (2 orders)
• Baked Potato

And we chose four sauces to complement the food we ordered - Caesar's dressing (for the salad), cheese (for the wedges), pesto and the green chili. 

Sampler - $44.20

Additional rice and four sauces

I instantly fell in love with the soft shell crab. It was love at first bite, the first time I truly enjoyed a crab. Yes, I've tried Singapore's Chili Crab but this one's different. Maybe because I was able to eat everything, unlike the usual crab which you need to use a mullet, crack it open and get the meat. The husband said I should try the Thai soft shell crab because it's really tasty. I can't wait for that!

The rest of the crew were just okay, I guess I was too blown away with the crab. Haha! Contrary to the online reviews I've read, service in Lena's was good. Staff were smiling and attentive. No complaints here! :) We'll be back, to try the other dishes of course.


Website: Lena's
Facebook: MinistryOfFood

First Ever Pizza Dough

We were invited by the husband's friend over at their place. It was still Black Saturday so I thought of bringing no-meat food. Good thing I had some mushrooms, tomatoes, and bell peppers at home. So I decided to bring mushroom and caramelized onion quiche and veggie pizza. 

While I was preparing for my pizza, I discovered my wholewheat pita bread were covered with molds! :( I totally forgot to put it in the fridge. Frantically, I had to look for a sub. The husband said we just make something else, but I already prepared everything for the pizza! As always, thank God for the Internet, I was able to find a no yeast pizza dough. It was really good! :) So I'm sharing this one with you. 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup water

Method:
1. Preheat oven at 200 degrees Celsius.  

2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Add water and oil. Stir until it forms to a dough. If dough is stiff, add more water, a teaspoon or two.

3. The dough will be soft, but not sticky. Knead on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes.

4. Bake at 400°F for 15-25 minutes.

Source: http://www.cooks.com

Craving For Mango Swiss Roll

Two weeks ago, I was craving for soft swiss roll with yummy and creamy filling. I don't remember when was the last time I had one. So I thought of searching for an easy recipe. Good thing I found one on Woman scribbles. And I had all the ingredients in our pantry, it was meant to be!! :D

Sponge cake

• 4 egg yolks
• 4 egg whites
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 370F. Line a greased 10"x15 " cookie sheet with parchment paper. Prepare another parchment of roughly the same size and lay it on a table.
2. Combine cake flour and baking powder in a bowl.
3. Beat egg yolks and half of the sugar until you achieve a pale yellow, lemon color. Add in the oil and milk and beat for a few seconds.
4. Sift the flour mixture over the yolks.
5. Fold the flour into the yolk using a rubber spatula until combined.
6. Whisk egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy and add in cream of tartar. Continue whisking while adding remaining sugar little by little until stiff peaks are formed.
7.  Fold egg whites into the yolk mixture.
8. Pour and level into the baking sheet and tap to release air bubbles.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
10. Remove cake from pan and cool on a wire rack.

For the filling, I made a simple mango buttercream frosting since I didn't have whipped cream at hand. Just whip 1 cup softened butter with 1/3 cup of icing sugar and add 1/2 cup chopped ripe mango slices.

Spread the filling on the cooled sponge cake. Roll and chill for at least an hour. 

Cut cake before serving. Enjoy! 

Source: http://www.womanscribbles.net/